I’ve got a great trip I’d like to suggest for you folks who like to wet a hook in salt water now and then. You can do it in three or four days, but a week would wipe away the cobwebs and do the expedition justice.

I call it the “Big Loop.” You can start right here in Moore County and see half the state in all its glory, and maybe, if you’re lucky, catch a fish or two.

Here’s how it goes. You don’t have to take notes, I’m gonna spell it out for you.

It’s best to leave home early in the morning, because your first overnight stop is about five hours away. Make sure you have a full cooler along with plenty of snacks and lots of fishing gear, including a surfcasting rod and reel and maybe a small spinning outfit for the backwaters.

Point the vehicle north on U.S. 1 toward Raleigh. When you get to the city limits, take the Outer Beltline to highway 64 East.

Sometimes when I’m on this trip, I’ll venture on around the beltline to the Orvis store located in the Triangle Town Commons shopping center, which is a great place to maybe pick up a couple necessities, like a new fly rod. Maybe not if the wife’s along, unless she’s a fly-fishing lady. Then it’s his and hers.

About the time you get to Zebulon, it’ll be noon and you’ll be ready for some chow. There are several fast food places at the town’s first exit. I’m partial to Smithfield’s Chicken ’n Bar-B-Q myself. I love their barbecue sandwiches with fries and sweet tea, and the service is exemplary.

Nourished and refreshed, it’s back on the road. Right after leaving the Zebulon area, take highway 264 toward Greenville.

It’s an easy ride, four lanes and a speed limit of 70. Be careful, though. Some of those East Carolina students have lead feet. They must be late to class or something.

Highway 264 bypasses Greenville and carries you through Washington, known as Little Washington to some. Better not let a native hear you call it that, though.

Now you’re on the way to Belhaven. Located on the Pungo River, this little town is one of many that has made its living from the waters of the Pamlico Sound. It’s worth a ride to check out the waterfront.

Then back on the road to Hyde County, with its motto, “A road less traveled,” and Lake Mattamuskeet, a federal preserve and the biggest natural lake in the state.

Carawan’s Lodge is located on the causeway that crosses the lake. The hotel is a great choice for an overnight stop, and if you like a little more rustic feel, they also have little cabins on the edge of the preserve.

By now it’s close to suppertime, and the place to eat is Martel’s right outside of Engelhard. When I say it’s the place to eat, it really is. There are only two restaurants in the whole area. We’re fortunate, though, because the seafood there is unbeatable and the service is excellent. Try their fried shrimp, and tell Mrs. Marshal, who owns the place, I said hey.

When you get back to Carawan’s, look up Mark Carawan, the fellow who owns the lodge. His family has been in the area for generations. Tell him you want to go fishing, and he will guide you. Or if you are hauling your own boat, he will tell you where the best fishing is gonna be.

The last time I went fishing with Mark, we wore the puppy drum out. While you’re in the area, be sure to see the waterfront at Engelhard. All the old Carolina fishing boats make for a postcard photo opportunity.

After the next day or two (I don’t believe I would stay more than two, because you’ve got a bunch of stuff to do and see), hit the trail, the trail still being 264 north to the top of the Big Loop, which would be Manteo. Along the hour or so ride to Manteo, be watchful for black bears. They are numerous in this area. Stumpy Point, a little waterfront town along the way, would also be worth a look.

Well folks, that gets you to the top of the loop. Next month, we’ll head down the other side, and I’ll tell you about some great fishing spots on this beautiful ride through North Carolina.

Contact Tom Bryant by e-mail at tom@thepilot.com